On a late afternoon having missed lunch and driving around in the western district of the island I was in the mood for more heartier fare than would be provided at a fast food venue. I called Capriccio Ristorante Italiano fully expecting them to not be open for service as it was after the typical lunch period and before regular dinner hours. Surprised that they were in fact receiving patrons, I make a reservation for one. This would turn out to be a very sound decision.
Capriccio is tucked away in one corner of an unassuming shopping plaza on a busy thoroughfare in Cable Beach. Walking on the inside of the cozy, 11-table restaurant, you are instantly transported to a cafe in Italy with frescoes and soft piped music filling the otherwise quiet air. The covered outside patio provides alfresco dining.
With the sunlight beaming through the large panel windows, I opted for a nearby seat. I was greeted by a server who poured water without offering choice of sparkling or still, bottle or otherwise. Beyond that slight faux pas, the service was rather friendly with the waitress adequately answering inquiries relating to the menu and my selections.
A basket of warm, toasted, crusty garlic bread was placed before me and I dug in. The nutty olive oil soaked through the bread and the pungent garlic was intoxicating.
For the appetizer, I requested the eggplant parmigiana. Two thick steaks of bottom-breaded eggplant layered with the most amazing tomatoe sauce and melted mozzarella cheese was presented – piping hot. I inhaled the aroma of the herb and spice filled marinara sauce as I cut into the dish.
The first bite was followed by a second then a third; I was becoming misty eyed as I experienced absolute bliss. At any moment I expected to see Sophia Petrillo, the last Sicilian, walk out of the restaurant’s kitchen. It took all of my willpower to hold off on eating the entire serving as I needed to ensure room for the main dish; the chicken cacciatore.
Chunks of chicken breasts cooked with onions, bell peppers, capers and mushrooms in a basil tomatoe sauce and served with option of rice or pasta, I chose penne, was lush, well seasoned and delicious. Each forkful was filled with meat and veggies. The pasta well cooked.
Dessert was cheesecake. The consistency was more of a creamy custard but by the end of the meal it had grown on me
The Good:
- Hands down the eggplant parmigiana was the best thing I’ve eaten out in a while.
- The tomatoe sauces were flavour packed.
- Refill of bread basket!
- HOT food
- On average the price of the mains are $25
- Not sure if it was intentional but typical of dining in Europe, the servers allow you to enjoy your meal without the constant interruption of asking ‘is everything okay?’ I was also the one to end the service by requesting the cheque rather than it being placed on the table.
The Bad:
- No option in choice of water
- Parking may pose an issue as there are limited spots in the plaza.
The Ugly:
- N/A